Permission to reproduce this image for other than personal use must be requested from the Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society. Please contact at 615 W. First St., Madison, IN 47250 (812) 265-2335

Coverage

Indiana-Jefferson County-Madison

Source

Jefferson County Historical Society

Identifier

"MJCPLrail0012"; "JCHSVC001-General Collection"

Notes

"In 1893 the railroad bought the whole block on First Street from Vine to Mill and and bought the depot." The Victorian style building was built in 1895. On the property had stood a fine old home which had to be taken down to make way for the station. The local newspaper said, "The beautiful new passenger depot building of the P. C. & St. Louis Railway Company, on West First street was opened to passengers this morning, and the first engine and train of cars ran into and out of the depot." The article further states, "Mrs. W. M. Lindley, wife of the Local Agent, sold the first ticket (No. 8005) to Charles H. Branham, who presented it as a souvenir to little Lulie Bolser, daughter of the Baggage Master. The first passenger to buy a ticket, however, was Miss Mildred Love, the pleasant teacher of the colored school at North Madison." Until the railroad ceased service in 1931, it was a hub of activity for the community. You can see the horse drawn omnibus that conveyed passengers to and from the hotels in town. Under the care of the Jefferson County Historical Society, the building looks much today as it did at the time of this picture. Sources: Madison Courier- November 18, 1981; Madison Courier - December 5, 1895; MJCPL Historical Files